SOMERS POINT – For the first time ever, Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point announces an array of four musical productions for the 2026 MainStage Season. Shows include: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “9 to 5: The Musical.”
Tickets for individual shows and season passes will go on sale online 8 a.m., Dec. 4 – or what the Gateway dubs, “Theater Thursday.”
“Gateway audiences have been incredible supporters of our musicals and have looked to us to do more,” said Gateway’s Artistic Director Phil Pallitto. “So, we listened to what they’re telling us and developed a full mainstage season of musicals that we’re calling ‘a season of friends, faith, fortune, and fun’.”
According to Pallitto, the lineup of musicals still resonates with audiences today thanks to their universal emotions of love, hope and humor. Pallitto thoughtfully chose this season so that the Gateway’s community is represented both literally and symbolically.
Each musical will have eight performance dates, something that the Gateway began in 2025 after, again, paying attention to what audiences were wishing for, in this case, more opportunities to see their spectacular musical theater productions. As always, each musical will be backed by a live band made up of some of the region’s best musicians.
The all-musical Mainstage Season for 2026 is as follows:
– “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”: Based on cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s prolific comic strip “Peanuts,” this musical that both children and adults love includes all of Schulz’s beloved characters like Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, and, of course, Charlie Brown, with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner and Andrew Lippa (1991 revision). Of this show, Pallitto said, “it reminds us to embrace kindness and perseverance.” Show dates are Feb. 20-22 and 27-28, March 1. (Includes two Saturday matinees.)
– “Jesus Christ Superstar”: This world-renowned rock opera, with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music and lyrics by Tim Rice, offers powerful performances. The work interprets the characters of Jesus and Judas Iscariot with a plot that centers around Judas and his betrayal of Jesus, while highlighting Jesus as a man wrestling with a responsibility to save humanity. Show dates are April 9-12 and 16-19.
– “Guys and Dolls”: This beloved show, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, is considered one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. Set in New York City, the plot revolves around a rowdy group of gamblers, gangsters and an uptight, straightlaced missionary. Popular songs include “Adelaide’s Lament,” “If I Were a Bell,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and the classic “Luck Be a Lady.” According to Pallitto, “Guys and Dolls” celebrates second chances and friendship. Show dates are May 28-31 and June 4-7.
– “9 to 5: The Musical”: Based on the 1980 film of the same name, “9 to 5: The Musical” is a hilarious story about female friendship, resilience and standing up for yourself in a man’s world, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Show dates are Sept. 24-27 and Oct. 1-4, 2026.
In keeping with a week of themed discounts and shopping – think: “Black Friday,” “Cyber Monday” and “Small Business Saturday” – the Gateway will have individual and season tickets go on sale on what they call “Theater Thursday,” Dec. 4. Tickets will first go on sale 8 a.m. at GatewayByTheBay.org, then become available at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Individual ticket prices are $25, and season passes for all four MainStage musicals will be $80 for a limited time through Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
Auditions for the 2026 MainStage Season will be announced on the Gateway’s social media channels in the months to come. All roles are open.
In addition to MainStage musicals, the Gateway plans to introduce a series of special events and a new “Community Spotlight” program that will feature original works, plays, one-acts, and performances, to align with their mission of “a role for everyone.”
“The Gateway has one of the most creative and brilliant artistic directors in New Jersey,” said Renai Ellison, the Gateway’s executive director, of Pallitto. “Phil has cultivated a wonderful team whose level of expertise is jaw-dropping. No one will be disappointed with this season.”
Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. More information and ticket reservations can be found at GatewayByTheBay.org or call the box office at (609) 653-0553.